The EU is reportedly close to another relaxation of its car CO2 rules, according to Clean Energy Wire via Electrek. France and Germany have struck a deal to lower the required emissions reduction from 90% to 80% by 2035 and to soften interim targets, with the proposal to be presented to the EU on October 15.
This would be the third such loosening in two years. In March 2025 the EU gave automakers "breathing room" on short-term targets, and nine months later it pushed the 2035 goal from 100% to 90% while adding optional credits and e-fuels. The new deal, if approved, would further dilute the rules despite six other countries opposing the change.
The article argues the rollback is unjustified because EV sales are growing faster in Europe than elsewhere, and that changing targets every few months makes regulation meaningless. It also warns that weaker EU rules could pressure the UK to slow its own EV ambitions and ultimately benefit Chinese automakers, who are already competitive in EVs.